Racing: Reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Denman is among 19 entries for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 8th. The nine-year-old has failed to make the racecourse since his Festival heroics of last March after suffering from a fibrillating heart but he is nearing a return.
While the AON Chase at Newbury a day earlier is his comeback target, the son of Presenting has as expected been given an entry in the Irish showpiece a day earlier as a back-up plan.
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls would appear to have a very strong hand with Gold Cup third and Lexus casualty Neptune Collonges also featuring among the possibles, as well as stablemates Nozic and Star De Mohaison.
Lexus Chase hero Exotic Dancer could head back across the Irish Sea in an attempt to plunder another valuable prize, while fellow Jonjo O’Neill inmate Albertas Run is also entered.
Air Force One and The Listener complete the raiding party, while Thyne Again, Snowy Morning and Mister Top Notch feature among the home team.